ATLANTA -- Heat guard Goran Dragic was scratched from the starting lineup because of a strained left elbow, and that left Miami with just nine healthy players Monday night against the Atlanta Hawks.
Coach Erik Spoelstra said Dragic tested his elbow before the game, but it was too sore for him to shoot. Dragic leads the Heat with 16.6 points per game and had started all 29 of Miami's games entering Monday night. Tyler Johnson started in Dragic's spot in the 110-104 loss to the Hawks and had 19 points in his first start since 2015-16.
Forward James Johnson also was sidelined after leaving Saturday's home win over the Los Angeles Clippers with bursitis in his right ankle. Bam Adebayo started in his spot and had 11 points and a game-high 10 rebounds.
Guard Dion Waiters started and scored 23 points despite a stomach bug, while forward Justise Winslow missed his third straight game with a knee injury. Center Hassan Whiteside missed his 10th straight game with a bruised left knee and 15th overall.
The Heat plan to bring up rookie guard Matt Williams on a two-way contract from Sioux Falls of the G League. He will be in uniform Wednesday when Miami visits Boston.
Health issues are nothing new for Miami. Players on last season's team missed a combined 328 games, most in the NBA, because of injuries.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
